Marketing - How do you like yours?

[Janebert]

If a site/supplier/whatever doesn't show the pricing of a product or service, I'll move on to the next oe that does - and I'd guess there are other people who "see" things the same way

This matters if you're in their target market, but could be a way of qualifying you out if you're not.

I like to see prices as well, but wouldn't necessarily put me off if I knew it was something that needed bespoking. However, I like to see some kind of price guide so I know whether I'm in the ballpark or not. It really depends on the degree to which you can "productise" or "packagise" the service.

However, I feel that with more complex services in particular, and with pretty much any website in general, it's more to the point to capture lead details than sell off the page.

Jane

 

[Janebert]

Hi John
Thanks for your input.
My niche is that I'm an all rounder. So, as well as being a strategic marketeer, I'm a tecchie and designer. This is why I thought I would appeal to small businesses as everything is under one roof. However, as aforementioned, this is not necessarily working.
I would say my niche-niche would be within the Lloyd's market. There are lots of Financial Services marketing companies out there, but ask them what they think of captives being right for larger companies, they'll freeze. So I am "down with the lingo". Also, in terms of compliance, there's so much more that you can and cannot say / do than simply following the CAP Code, for example. There's the FSA Financial Promotions Policy. So rather than offering a 'bit of fluffy marketing', which it then turns out (via compliance) can't be implemented, I offer practical solutions, which can be implemented, despite the red tape!
In terms again of the Lloyd's Market, I'd say around 90% don't have any form of marketing. It's a great, untapped market, yet, at the same time, they don't see the need, so it's my job to convince them otherwise.
Thanks for making me think. I appreciate I've just bored you, but you got my juices flowing!

I think you're making 2 rookie errors here which will lead you to a very difficult business life or even ultimately, failure.

Error 1: Being an all rounder
I'm sorry, I just don't buy that someone who can do graphic design is also going to be an expert in creating marketing strategies for my type of business.

I feel qualified to speak on this, because this is the mistake I made at the beginning - trying to be a one-stop shop for a broad market. Not only did it stretch me skills wise, but I had no "juicy" message. Do you want to become known for being basically a marketing odd job man/woman or THE expert who solves a specific problem?

Hint: experts can more easily find leverage points in their business AND they get paid about 10 times more than generalists

Error2: Attacking a target market that doesn't want what you're offering
One of the characteristics of a good market is that they're already buying your category of service. Unless you have the resources of Accenture or Tescos, you simply can't afford the ramp up time and the investment to "convince" that market to want what you're offering. Pioneers are the ones who come back with arrows in their backs!

You may want to reconsider where you add most value and what will be an enjoyable business. If you become extremely good at something, your life will be made a lot easier than struggling to deal with SEO issues one minute and graphic design the next. It gives me a headache just thinking about it, and I don't see how you'll ever get good at any of them.

Jane

 

[@nn@]

Thanks for an interesting information )

 

[@nn@]

Hello, Are you interested in the diversity of digital marketing? If you are, your opinion will be useful and highly appreciated! We are a group of students of The University Rennes 2, preparing our final thesis. We have elaborated a simple questionnaire which will take you no more than a minute. Would you be so kind to answer the following questions? We would like to advise that this survey is strictly anonymous. We appreciate your cooperation and we are grateful to you for taking the time to answer the questions. Sincerely, Team of International Marketing and Management, University Rennes 2, Rennes, France
I've invited you to fill out the form Digital marketing. To fill it out, visit:
https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGF0aTNkYnVFQk1tTklQWV83SUtoUEE6MQ